Joy Tabernacle Full Gospel Church in Mobile, Alabama, is mourning the death of Pastor Robert Matthews. Police say the church leader was shot and killed last Sunday evening (Oct. 20) by his daughter, 36-year-old Charity Matthews. Twinetta Matthews, the pastor’s wife of almost 50 years, also was injured in that shooting.
According to court documents, Charity Matthews also allegedly shot her ex-boyfriend on Oct. 19. She has been charged with one count of murder, two counts of attempted murder, and reckless endangerment.
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Matthews, who is being held without bond, was undergoing mental-competency evaluations. The local district attorney said she could face the death penalty, if convicted.
Pastor Robert Matthews Was Fatally Shot
On Sunday, Oct. 20, police responded to reports of a shooting at a house in Mobile just before 8 p.m. They allege that Charity Matthews shot both of her parents, fatally injuring her dad, and then fled with her two young children. As of late last week, Charity’s mother, Twinetta Matthews, was recovering in the hospital.
Family friend Shavon Buchanan told a local news station there were “no words” to describe the tragedy. “It’s something that you would never expect,” she told Fox10TV. “It’s almost like living in a nightmare only because they are such a good family.”
Buchanan praised Pastor Robert Matthews as an excellent church leader, godly man, and loving husband and father. Her message to his family: “Stay strong, and I’m praying for you guys to have peace, and that God gives you peace that surpasses all understanding.”
Buchanan added that she’s also praying for Charity Matthews, her longtime friend. “I know Charity was a loving person. I know she carried love in her heart,” said Buchanan. “I know that she’s seen a lot and been through a lot.”
Police Responded to Another Shooting the Previous Day
The afternoon before Matthews allegedly shot her parents, authorities say she shot Samson Moore, an ex-boyfriend and the father of one of her children. Moore’s cousin, Suporia Moore, told Fox10TV that Matthews shot Samson in the face without saying anything. “He is currently on a ventilator,” Suporia said last week. “He cannot talk, he cannot move.”
Police said Matthews also allegedly shot at her brother, who wasn’t hit. They arrested her early on Oct. 21 at a local hotel, noting that her two young children were safe.
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